Banished Russian Duma Calls for Tax Resistance from Finland

A few more bits from the archives concerning Russia during the Vyborg Manifesto
period:

Refuse to Pay Tax.

By Associated Press.

Odessa, Sept. 21. — In consequence of the
unanimous and unalterable refusal of the peasants in the Odessa district to
pay tax the local zemestvo has been advised by the government that it is
impossible to maintain schools and hospitals which must be closed.

Russian Peasants Refuse to Pay Tax.

It is Said Fully 50,000 Have Joined in the Movement.
Trouble is Feared.

Odessa, Russia, September
27. — A determined attempt by the peasants of Kutauis province,
Transcaucasia, to live up to the programme outlined by the Viborg convention
of deputies after the dissolution of the douma, of refusing to pay taxes, has
resulted in serious trouble. From all indications the situation is bound to
become steadily worse and fears are entertained that a general massacre of
peasants by soldiers will be the outcome.

Fully 50,000 peasants have joined in the movement not to give the government a
kopec. Notice has been given by the government that if the peasants do not pay
within two weeks troops will be sent into the district and they will be
mercilessly shot down.

Without waiting for soldiers to put the threat of the government into
execution the peasants have inaugurated a campaign of guerrilla warfare
against troops. Tax collectors who have insisted upon the payment of money
have been severely handled in several instances.

Within the last few days a number of military sentinels have been shot down in
ambush or attacked by peasants. These murders have infuriated the troops, who
have demanded that they be allowed to attack the peasants.

Already the situation is nearly as grave as it could be. If the government
attempts to execute its threat of collecting taxes at the point of the bayonet
the soldiers are almost certain to get out of hand and a general massacre will
follow.

Replying to a deputation of municipal officials who complained of the
violences daily committed by members of the League of Russian People against
peaceful citizens, Jews and Christians alike, Governor General Kaulbars said
he personally doubted whether it was possible or even desirable to attempt to
suppress the exasperation of the loyal elements against the revolutionary
students, who were guided exclusively by Jews.

The tone of Governor Kaulbar’s speech, which is regarded as an open expression
of approval of the horrors of counter-revolution, has created much alarm.

Douma Members to Base Defense on Technicality

Alleged Traitors to Russia Will Urge That Crime Was Committed Outside
Country.

St.
Petersburg, Dec. 28. — Trial
of those members of the first Russian Douma who signed the Viborg manifesto
was continued this morning. It had been expected that today would see the
conclusion of the case, but owing to the decision of several of the defendants
to plead their own cause the hearing will go over until
Monday. The final arguments will be brief
and formal. The prosecutor will limit himself to summing up the illegal nature
of the manifesto and the grave consequences which might have ensued had the
people heeded its appeal to resist tax gatherers. The defense will make its
strong point on technicalities, holding that the crime, if any, was committed
outside the country, and that the government has failed to establish the
individual responsibility of the defendants.

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